Think tanks conduct research and advocate for issues that impact various aspects of our lives, the majority of which are related to social issues or dilemmas. Some think tanks, also known as policy institutes, focus on a single area of research, while others have a broader focus. Think tanks receive funding from a variety of sources, including federal programs, grants, state and local government funding, corporations, businesses, and political interest groups. Think tanks can also make money charging for consultations.
Researcher, analyst, writer, editor, and legislative associate are examples of think tank jobs. Working for a think tank could entail all of these responsibilities, or a person could specialize in one of them. Responsibilities are heavily influenced the organization’s size and scope, as well as its funding.
Researchers are essential to think tanks because they conduct the studies and collect the data that they require to function. Writers are often in charge of publishing findings after analysts have interpreted the data. Editors are in charge of ensuring that everything the think tank produces or publishes is error-free and as accurate as possible.
Legislative associates are sometimes employed think tanks that deal with political issues. These associates assist legislators attending meetings, hearings, and events, as well as communicating with them about policy issues. Legislative associates are typically well-versed in the legislative process and know how to effectively communicate with policymakers.
Though most think tank jobs necessitate some level of education, usually a bachelor’s degree or higher, this is not always the case. Most think tanks will hire interns who will often work for free in exchange for learning about the world of think tanks. Internships are frequently reserved for university students, but hiring is at the organization’s discretion.
Institutions all over the world have think tanks. They can be found in both American and European universities, particularly large and well-known universities that specialize in a particular subject. Think tanks frequently support NGOs (non-governmental organizations), which are a good source of think tank jobs.
Foreign policy, gender issues, poverty, economic issues, health issues, global development, urban issues, housing, and labor are some of the topics that think tanks research and advocate for. Working for a think tank often requires an educational background in any of those topics, as well as experience in the field or a combination of the two. Many students and graduates who are new to the think tank setting start as interns, which are often unpaid. For graduating students, internships can lead to permanent employment with a good salary and benefits.
Think tank jobs necessitate certain skills, regardless of education. Though each job will have its own set of requirements, excellent communication skills and writing or journalism experience are the most common skills required to work for a think tank. A bachelor’s degree in communications, writing/journalism, political science, international relations, international business relations, gender studies, economics, education, or another social science discipline is highly desired.
Think tanks are frequently associated with a particular political group and its ideals because they are the backbone of political advocacy. Anyone considering working for a think tank should be aware of the organization’s ethical and political values. Furthermore, some research should be conducted to determine where the think tank’s funding comes from.